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Davy Jones Interview: The Monkees' Main Man Recalls His Life with the Legendary Band

Davy Jones is best known for being a member of the singing group The Monkees. Born in Manchester, England, he sang lead vocals on many of the band’s songs including, “I Wanna Be Free,” and “Daydream Believer.”

After the group disbanded, Jones performed solo and later joined ex-Monkee Mickey Dolenz and songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart in a band called Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart.

“In the 60’s every band was compared to the Beatles in regard to success and popularity. The Monkees where more like the Marx Brothers.”

This award-winning artist is also a songwriter and an actor, having even appeared on Broadway in the musical Oliver.

Jones television credits include an appearance in one episode of The Brady Bunch as the object of Marcia’s affections, and in one episode of Love American Style. Over the years he has appeared with his former Monkee bandmates in reunion tours and he also enjoys racing horses in his spare time.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Davy, I’ve read that your father wanted you to be a jockey. So, how did you get your foot in the door of show business?

Davy Jones: I started my career at the age of 11 reading the morning story on BBC radio, Listen w/ Mother … then onto television plays. At the age of 15 I did my first stage production of Peter Pan with Jane Asher, Paul McCartney’s first publicized girlfriend.

In 1962 I did Oliver on the west end and later on Broadway. Ed Sullivan show and American TV appearances followed. The Monkees TV show began in 1966 and is still running today.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Are your children in the entertainment industry?

Davy Jones: Annabelle Jones is my 20 year old. Check her out on Lady And The Lost Boys on My Space. She is a great singer and song writer. Jessica, Talia and Sarah have not pursued a career in front of the camera or on stage.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): How much influence did Don Kirshner have on The Monkees in the early years? Why couldn’t the group play their own instruments on their records?

Davy Jones: He had no influence on The Monkees. All music connected with many of the groups in the 60’s was played by a group of musicians called the Wrecking Crew. The Monkees did over 200 concerts where they performed their hits. They were the only 4 musicians on stage.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Were there any comparisons made by the press between The Monkees and the Beatles in the 1960s?

Davy Jones: In the 60’s every band was compared to the Beatles in regard to success and popularity. The Monkees where more like the Marx Brothers.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): The last number one hit of The Monkees was “Daydream Believer.” Do you have a favorite song of all of the ones that you have recorded with the group or as a solo artist?

Davy Jones: My own song, “I’ll Love You Forever.”

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): If you had not been successful in show business, would you have been just as happy having a career as a jockey?

Davy Jones: Yes.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Broadway and television are certainly two different mediums. Do you enjoy one more than the other?

Davy Jones: Both are just as enjoyable.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): I’m sure that you’ve met many people in the entertainment industry. If you could meet the one person you have not met yet (in any walk of life) but would like to meet, who would it be?

Davy Jones: Norman Wisdom, TV personality and comedian.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): You just participated in a charity golf tournament in Boca Raton. Tell me about Home Safe.

Davy Jones: Home safe is an organization who dedicates time and recourses to helping children in need.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Are you planning on becoming a citizen of the United States?

Davy Jones: Yes. I am working on obtaining my citizenship. One vote can make a difference.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): What fills your days?

Davy Jones: Well, I have a new album entitled SHE that will be available this year. I will be appearing on an episode of Sponge Bob in April. My horses are a great form of relaxation and an added responsibility that I love.